How to Add Conditional Logic in Google Form (Show questions based on answers)

Conditional logic, also known as skip or branch logic, helps you collect data through forms by ensuring that respondents only see questions that are relevant to them.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to add conditional logic on a Google Form.

Conditional Logic in Google Forms

Google Forms is a simple form building tool to get started with conditional logic. Here’s a detailed look at how to set it up:

1. Create Your Google Form

Log into Google Forms: Visit Google Forms and sign in with your Google account.
Choose a Template or Start Blank: Google Forms offers several templates, but for payments, starting blank is often better.
Add Questions: Include the necessary fields:

• Name
• Email
• Phone number
• Class, product or service selection
• Any additional information you need to collect.

2. Creating Sections

Once your form is created, use sections to organize your forms. This allows you to add conditional brackets and move people to the next question based on their answers.

Why It’s Important: Breaking forms into sections ensures users are guided logically through a sequence based on their responses, improving form clarity and completion rates.
How to Do It:

• Click on the “Add Section” button in the toolbar.
• Divide your form into logical sections based on possible answer paths. For instance, you can separate questions for general inquiries, additional details, or payments.

3. Using Multiple Choice or Dropdown Questions

These question types work best for triggering conditional logic.

Why It’s Important: They provide clear and manageable options for respondents, making it easy to direct them to specific sections.
How to Do It: Create a multiple-choice or dropdown question and label each option. For example:

• Question: Will you be staying for the dinner?
  • Option 1: Yes,
  • Option 2: No

4. Setting Up Logic with “Go to Section Based on Answer”

To link questions to other questions based on their answers, you’ll need to select the Go to section based on answer. Then you’ll need to select a different section to link to based on the answer.

Why It’s Important: Redirecting users keeps the form relevant and concise.
How to Do It:

• Click on the question’s three-dot menu.
• Select Go to section based on answer.
• Assign each response to a specific section.

5. Testing and Optimizing Your Form

Testing ensures your logic flows seamlessly.

Why It’s Important: Mistakes in logic can frustrate users and result in incomplete forms.
How to Do It: Preview your form using the eye icon. Test every possible path to confirm that users see the intended sections.

While this setup is sufficient for basic workflows or surveys, Google Forms has limitations when it comes to dynamic displays, complex workflows, or built-in automation.

Advanced Conditional Logic with Activity Messenger

Activity Messenger is a form creation tool with advanced workflow and communication features that can help you replace Google when your business has outgrown the limitations of Google Forms. Here’s why it might be worth considering depending on your needs:

1. Integrated Registration and Payments

Conditional logic in Activity Messenger doesn’t stop at displaying questions—it connects directly with registration and payment processes.

Why It’s Important: Forms aren’t just about collecting information; in many cases you need to collect payment and registrations
Real-World Example:

• Parents registering their children for a camp select how many kids they’re enrolling. The form dynamically applies sibling discounts or offers add-on options like early drop-off or late pick-up.
• Users choosing a premium membership tier can immediately see payment options and benefits.

How to Set It Up:

• Create your form in Activity Messenger. Start a 14 day free trial here.
• Add conditional logic to registration questions.
• Automate receipts and payment confirmations upon completion.

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2. Automated Communications

Activity Messenger goes beyond the form itself by automating post-form actions, like sending emails or SMS notifications.

Why It’s Important: Follow-ups can save time, improve customer satisfaction, and boost engagement.
Real-World Example:

• If a registrant selects “Pay Later,” the system can automatically send a reminder email with payment instructions a week before the due date.
• After completing a registration, participants receive a confirmation email with event details and next steps.

How to Set It Up:

• Use Activity Messenger’s automation tools to setup an SMS or email automation based on registration dates on specific answers.
• Customize communication templates to include personalized details like names, dates, or payment balances.

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3. Dynamic Question Display

Unlike Google Forms, which relies on navigation between sections, Activity Messenger lets you dynamically show or hide fields within the same section.

Why It’s Important: This keeps the form compact and intuitive without requiring respondents to jump around.
Real-World Example:

• If someone answers “Yes” to a question about volunteering, additional fields appear for time availability and roles of interest. If they select “No,” those fields remain hidden.
• A user selecting “Add a donation” sees a donation amount field appear instantly not on the next page or section like it does in google forms.

How to Set It Up:

• In the form editor, assign visibility conditions to specific fields.
• Test the logic to ensure fields appear or disappear as expected.

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4. Simplified Reporting and Insights

Collecting data is only part of the process; analyzing it is just as critical. Activity Messenger integrates conditional logic responses directly into reports.

Why It’s Important: Streamlined reporting saves time and eliminates the need for external tools.
Real-World Example:

• Automatically filter responses to view only those who selected specific options, such as attendees who need additional support or opted for premium services.
• Export detailed reports for accounting or follow-ups.

How to Set It Up:

• Navigate to the reporting dashboard in Activity Messenger.
• Use built-in filters and analytics tools to sort and view data.

 

5. Other Features and Use Cases

Activity Messenger goes beyond forms, offering powerful tools like SMS communication, liability waivers with digital signatures, bulk certificates, attendance tracking, and email marketing to simplify your operations.

Why It’s Important:
Managing everything in a single platform reduces the need for multiple tools, saves time, and creates a better experience for both your staff and clients.

Real-World Example:

• SMS Communication: Automatically send SMS reminders to participants before an event or session to reduce no-shows.
• Liability Waivers: Collect legally binding digital waivers during the registration or form completion process.
• Certificates: Reward participants with personalized certificates upon program completion.
• Attendance Tracking: Use QR codes to easily track attendance from a smartphone or Ipad,
• Email Marketing: Keep your audience informed by sending newsletters, program updates, or promotional offers.

Activity Messenger vs Google Forms

While Google Forms is a great starting point, Activity Messenger can be a better choice for organizations managing a higher-level of registrations, payments, and communications. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Google Forms	Activity Messenger
Basic Conditional Logic	✅	✅
Dynamic Question Display	❌	✅
Integrated Payments	❌	✅
Automated Communications	❌	✅
Reporting and Analytics	Limited	Advanced

Get Started with Activity Messenger Today

Conditional logic is more than a feature-it’s a tool for improving the user experience, increasing efficiency, and driving better results. Whether you’re creating a registration form, conducting a survey, or managing event registrations, Activity Messenger gives you the tools you need to succeed.

Book a demo with one of our experts today!